Scotland 2001 - Islay: Crosses and bays


My last day on the Isle of Islay I decided to use for some more culture but also some beaches: I visited the three Celtic Crosses as well as my favourite bay. My first destination was Kilchoman. I visited the cemetary for the victims of the HMS Otranto, who sank in Machir Bay in October 1918 (above left, overlooking Machir Bay). Kilchoman Cross (pictured left) with the wishing stone at the bottom	is always worth a visit as well. A visit to Islay wouldn't complete for me without a visit to Machir Bay (above). I had a nice walk on the beach, which was very deep due to low tide when I was there. Then it was time to visit the other side of the island. It cleared up by then and I had a lovely view over Ardbeg distillery (below).

Kildalton Cross (above left) is probably the best know of the three Celtic crosses. It dates back to the thirteenth century and has elaborate carvings of biblical scenes. Not far from it is Claggain Bay (above right) with it's beach made up of pebbles.	My last stop for the day was Kilnave on the western side of Loch Gruinart. The cross next to the ruin of the chapel is very weathered, so it's difficult to recognise anything on it.